Mijo Chacko Kurian, a rising star in Indian athletics, is poised to make his mark on the world stage at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Born in Kerala on July 16, 1995, Kurian’s journey began with a passion for athletics that led him from district-level competitions to the pinnacle of sporting glory.
Early Life and Education
Mijo Chacko Kurian was born on 16 July 1995 in Kerala, India. Though originally from Kerala, Kurian’s family relocated to Panambur, near Mangalore, following his father’s transfer. His parents, Mini and Kurian, provided a supportive environment that nurtured his athletic talents from a young age. Kurian completed his early education at St Aloysius Urwa and Sharadha Vidyalaya. His passion for sports led him to join the Indian Air Force in 2019 under the sports quota, a move that significantly boosted his athletic career.
Athletic Career Beginnings
Kurian’s interest in athletics began during his school years. He actively participated in district and state-level competitions, which laid the foundation for his future success. Under the guidance of coach Dinesh Kunder at Mangala Stadium, Kurian honed his skills and started making a name for himself in the athletics community.
Rise to Prominence
In 2019, Kurian’s career took a major leap when he was inducted into the Indian Air Force in Bengaluru under the sports quota. This opportunity provided him with access to better training facilities and competition opportunities. His dedication and hard work began to pay off as he started to achieve notable performances.
Building a Stellar Record:
Kurian’s dedication paid off early on. In May 2022, he was crowned the best male athlete at the Karnataka State Athletics Championship. He continued to impress, clocking a blistering 46.10 seconds at the Inter-Services Athletics Championships later that year. This stellar performance was followed by a gold medal win in the 400m at the National Open Athletics Championships, solidifying his position as a national contender.
From National Recognition to Global Stage:
Kurian’s exceptional form continued in 2023. He secured a place in the 400m race at the Indian Championships and clocked a respectable 46.61 seconds. This achievement, coupled with his consistent performances, earned him a coveted spot in the Indian Men’s 4x400m relay team for the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. He further showcased his versatility with a 46.85 seconds run in the 400m at the Indian Grand Prix 5.
A Relay Powerhouse:
Kurian’s talent extends beyond individual races. He played a pivotal role in India’s success at the 2022 Asian Games, contributing to a gold medal in the 4x400m relay. This winning streak continued in 2023, with Kurian anchoring the Indian relay team to a silver medal at the Asian Championships in Thailand. The team clocked a remarkable 3:01.80 seconds, showcasing their growing dominance in the region.
Olympic Aspirations:
Kurian’s unwavering determination has led him to be named in the Indian 4x400m relay team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. With his talent and experience running alongside other exceptional athletes, Kurian dreams of bringing home an Olympic medal for India.
Achievements and Honors
Kurian’s achievements include several national and international accolades. His performance in the Asian Championships and Asian Games has been particularly noteworthy.
Honours – Asian Championships
| Place | Discipline | Mark | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4×400 Metres Relay | 3:01.80 | Supachalasai National Stadium, Bangkok (THA) | 16 July 2023 |
Honours – Asian Games
| Place | Discipline | Mark | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4×400 Metres Relay | 3:03.81 | HOC Stadium, Hangzhou (CHN) | 3 October 2023 |
Honours – National Championships
| Place | Discipline | Mark | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4×400 Metres Relay | 3:05.34 | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai (IND) | 14 June 2022 |
Personal Bests
Kurian’s dedication to his sport is reflected in his personal best performances across various disciplines:
| Discipline | Performance | Wind | Venue | Date | Results Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 Metres | 21.45 | -0.8 | Jalahalli (IND) | 9 September 2022 | 1006 |
| 400 Metres | 46.10 | Jalahalli (IND) | 7 September 2022 | 1105 | |
| 800 Metres | 1:50.82 | Guwahati (IND) | 27 June 2018 | 1003 | |
| 4×400 Metres Relay | 3:01.80 | Supachalasai National Stadium, Bangkok (THA) | 16 July 2023 | 1169 | |
| 4×400 Metres Relay Mixed | 3:18.03 | Mahinda Rajapaksha Stadium, Diyagama (SRI) | 30 July 2023 |
Current World Ranking Positions
Kurian’s current world ranking positions highlight his competitiveness at an international level:
| Discipline | Place | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s 400m | 436 | 1065 |
| Men’s Overall Ranking | 6248 | 1065 |
Highest World Ranking Positions
Kurian’s highest world rankings demonstrate his peak performances: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/india/mijo-chacho-kurian-14681199
| Discipline | Place | Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s 400m | 266 | 3 |
| Men’s Overall Ranking | 4174 | 1 |
Paris Olympics – 4x400m Relay
Mijo Chacko Kurian’s inclusion in the Indian 4x400m relay team for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris is a testament to his hard work and talent. As he continues to train and compete, the athletics community eagerly anticipates more outstanding performances from this promising athlete.
Kurian’s journey from a young boy in Panambur to an elite athlete representing India on the global stage is truly inspiring. His story underscores the importance of dedication, perseverance, and the support of family and mentors in achieving athletic excellence.
Also read- https://globalbuzznetwork.com/indias-champions-at-paris-olympics-2024/
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